Injured Daphne coach attends pep rally

DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA) - It was a big Friday night in Daphne as assistant football coach Jacy Todd hit the field for the first time since his near-fatal car accident in August.

Daphne High School welcomes him back to the gym earlier in the day for the pre-game pep rally. Some of the people in the crowd donned “Team Todd” t-shirts.

"He stays on my mind, love him to death," said one of his players.

The car accident left Todd paralyzed from the waist down but that didn’t keep him away from his school and his team on Friday for senior night.

“I probably survived an accident I shouldn’t have, and my whole motivation is just getting back here and seeing these kids and see these boys play tonight,” said Todd.

Daphne football players haven’t seen Todd in months. He spent weeks following his accident at USA medical center before being transferred to Atlanta for treatment. One player said Todd has been keeping in touch through text messages, a blog and emails. The last one the player got was just before the Trojans took on Fairhope High School.  

“It said ‘Play hard play your heart out tonight, bring home a win,'” he shared.

We walked over to the pep rally with some other players who were also anxious for the big reunion. They say they have been thinking about his every day.

“Our prayers actually came through for Coach Todd and I’m happy he’s better,” said one of Todd’s players.

The feeling was mutual.

“I’ve missed them I have missed them more than they can know,” said Todd.

One by one they shared kind words, hug and welcomed the coach back. Todd says these boys have pushed him through recovery. 

“The most frustrating thing about my injury is not to be here with them. You know the loss of my legs I cant use those and it's fine. Just to be here with them and to try and affect their lives is really all I'm interested in,” said Todd.

Now the team has another coach to pray for. Head Coach Glenn Vickery will have major surgery Monday.

Related: Daphne head coach in high spirits ahead of surgery

“I think the good lord has plan for me to get back down here and do these things ive been doing for along time its some serious stuff and I understand that but I, selfishly, don’t want to be away from anything,” said Vickery.

But Friday, health issues were the furthest thing from their minds. Daphne gave Coach Todd a victory; they beat Enterprise 48-21.

Todd will have to head back to Atlanta on Sunday to finish his treatment, but hopes to be back on the field in January.

However, no injury could keep Coach Todd from his team for a very special night. Friday, the senior football players will be honored. This class was Todd's first team he coached at Daphne High School.